Why Luis Diaz Offside Was Not Given in Build-Up to Diogo Jota Goal for Liverpool vs Everton

The Merseyside derby was thrown into controversy when Diogo Jota’s opening goal for Liverpool was allowed to stand despite Luis Diaz appearing to be in an offside position during the build-up. The decision, which came after a VAR review, left Everton players and fans fuming, as many believed Diaz had interfered with play.

The goal arrived just before the hour mark, shattering Everton’s defensive resilience and tilting the balance in Liverpool’s favor. Up until that point, the Toffees had defended resolutely, with Jarrad Branthwaite and James Tarkowski leading their backline. However, when Tarkowski attempted to clear a loose ball, his mis-hit pass fell kindly into Jota’s path, setting up the crucial moment.

Jota capitalized immediately, showcasing his composure by twisting past Everton defenders and sending goalkeeper Jordan Pickford the wrong way. The goal sent Anfield into celebration, but Everton players immediately protested, signaling that Diaz had been in an offside position when Tarkowski made the error.

The incident was reviewed by VAR, with Stockley Park officials deliberating whether Diaz had influenced Tarkowski’s play. In real-time, it appeared that Diaz’s presence might have pressured Tarkowski into scuffing his clearance. However, after a thorough review, VAR officials ruled that Diaz had not directly interfered with Tarkowski’s decision-making or the trajectory of the ball, allowing the goal to stand.

The ruling sparked widespread debate among pundits and fans alike. Many Everton supporters took to social media, arguing that Diaz’s positioning should have been considered active involvement in the play. Others pointed to similar incidents in previous matches that had been ruled offside, questioning the consistency of VAR decisions.

Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg weighed in on the controversy, stating, “It’s a very close call, but based on the current interpretation of the offside rule, Diaz did not clearly interfere with Tarkowski’s ability to play the ball. If Tarkowski had attempted to play the ball and failed because of Diaz, the goal might have been ruled out. But since he made a pass, albeit a poor one, the goal stands.”

Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher was less forgiving, insisting that the goal should have been ruled out. “This is exactly the kind of inconsistency that frustrates players and fans. If Diaz isn’t there, Tarkowski deals with the ball differently. That, to me, is clear interference,” he said during post-match analysis.

On the other hand, former Liverpool midfielder Graeme Souness defended the decision, stating, “Everton fans won’t like it, but Diaz didn’t touch the ball, and Tarkowski made his own mistake. That’s why VAR didn’t intervene.”

Liverpool manager Arne Slot dismissed the controversy, emphasizing that his team had done enough to earn the victory regardless of the decision. “We controlled the game and created chances. The goal was checked and given, so there’s nothing else to discuss,” Slot said in his post-match interview.

Everton boss Sean Dyche, however, was visibly frustrated, lamenting the lack of clarity in the officiating. “I don’t know what interference is anymore. If a player standing behind my defender isn’t interfering, then what is?” he questioned angrily.

The decision has reignited calls for more transparency in VAR rulings, with many demanding clearer guidelines on what constitutes interference in offside situations. Some have suggested that the offside rule needs further refinement to avoid similar disputes in future matches.

For Everton, the controversy added insult to injury as they struggled to find a response after the goal. Despite pushing forward in search of an equalizer, they were unable to break down Liverpool’s defense, eventually falling to a 2-0 defeat after Mohamed Salah sealed the win with a late strike.

The aftermath of this match will likely see the Premier League’s officiating team under scrutiny once again, with questions being raised about whether VAR is helping or hindering the game. Everton fans will feel hard done by, while Liverpool supporters will point to past decisions that have gone against them as justification for the call going their way this time.

As the dust settles, the debate rages on. Was Diaz truly inactive in the play, or did his positioning influence the outcome? One thing is certain—this decision will be discussed for weeks to come.